Classification Chapter 1, Section 4

Classification Classification Grouping of similar objects

Classification Brief History More than 2,000 years ago, Aristotle grouped organisms into plants and animals In late 18th century, Linnaeus developed a system of classification based on similar structures

Classification Modern Classification Based on phylogeny Phylogeny is the evolutionary history of an organism Phylogeny is determined by looking at similarities in: structure fossils hereditary information early stages of development

Classification Modern Classification Organisms are grouped into six kingdoms Animals Plants Protists Fungi Archaebacteria Eubacteria Some systems break organisms into three domains before they are broken into kingdoms

Classification Modern Classification Kingdom Kids Phylum Playing Class Catch Order On Family Freeways Genus Get Species Smooshed Organisms of the same species can mate and produce fertile offspring

Scientific Names Binomial Nomenclature 2 word system of naming organisms Developed by Linneaus First word identifies genus A genus is a group of similar species Second word identifies something about the organism Called the specific epithet

Scientific Names Why use scientific names? Helps avoid mistakes Groups organisms with similar evolutionary histories together Gives descriptive information about the species Allows information about the organism to be shared easily and efficiently

Tools for Identifying Organisms Dichotomous Key Detailed list of characteristics used to identify organisms